10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
17 / 54
Injuries / Deaths:
8 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,302 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2013 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 1 of 33)

problem #643

Jun 272024

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Dear NHTSA: I recently bought a HYUNDAI SONATA 2013 I got the NC vehicle inspection PASSED the same day. The car has been working perfectly. But, my granddaughter, XXXX, who I share the car with got a terrible experience last Thursday [XXX], she was driving to her job around 2:30 PM when suddenly the car just died, without any light showing on the screen. She was in panic in the middle of a big road with all the cars passing by. She used beach chairs so the others could know the car was dead. A police officer stopped and helped her move the car out of the road so a towing can pick up the car. This was not only a missed day at job for her, it could have ended in a terrible accident. Here are some pictures of the awful day. The car was towed to a mechanic who immediately said this is an engine manufacturer problem of your brand. I am the third owner of the car so no communication has been sent to me saying this car has an ENGINE RECALL that could fire at any moment. This is insane and I felt totally drowned by your brand. Again, no light was showing on the screen, nothing-??. My car is at the Hyundai Keffer dealer at Charlotte and they said the recall for engine is closed and that will not cover the repair. I do not have money for a repair. Please help me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #642

Jun 212024

Sonata

  • miles
While accelerating on the highway, several warning lamps (battery, engine, others that I forget) came on. When I pulled over the hood was smoking, and a fire flared up after I opened the hood. My son and I escaped the car with no injury. Still waiting for report from insurance company.

- Ooltewah, TN, USA

problem #641

May 012024

Sonata

  • 143,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while exiting a drive-in car wash, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact immediately observed a knocking noise emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle lost motive power, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and oil was added to the engine. The contact was advised to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles and then return to have the vehicle inspected. The contact returned after driving 1,000 miles and the engine oil level was extremely low. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

- Shawnee, KS, USA

problem #640

May 272024

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car was running well when suddenly loss power and stall. Have it check with a Scanner it read code P1326 (Knock Sensor) which has been recalled on other Sonatas, and Hyundai Models for the same Problem/Issue. This code (P1326) have Made Hyundai to REPLACE the engine in many cars (Recalls). My year made Hyundai Sonata it was not included on the Recalls. Now, I have a car with Loss Power and Stalls to move with No safety because of the 2013 was not included in the Recalls which has the same Issue as those Recalled.

- Eagle River, AK, USA

problem #639

Apr 192024

Sonata

  • miles
On 04/19/24 I was driving my car like I normally do. There was no indication of a problem whatsoever. No lights were on, no malfunctioning, no nothing. Suddenly an alarm sounded while I was travelling about 60 mph in normal, dry weather conditions. The digital dashboard said "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" and suddenly every single light on the dashboard lit in sync with each other. I pulled my car over on the side of the road and thought maybe I could reboot it. Nothing worked so I had to have the car towed to my house because the service center was closed. I performed research to learn that my car was on the recall list and needed to be serviced. I spoke to the dealership on 04/20/24 and told them it was a recall and needed service. A man asked me to have it towed there on 04/22/24 and that was the last time I have seen my car as of today 05/26/24! I have been calling to very kindly get some kind of status on the repair and when my car will be available for pickup. Every time I call they tell me they will give me my car back "tomorrow, " but tomorrow never comes. I have reached out to Hyundai to ask them for reimbursement of my expenses and to be compensated for such an inconvenience and they are telling me they have a limit on reimbursements that only covers a certain amount of the expense I have had to pay for ride sharing. I would like to be compensated for the hardships this has caused me, the pain and suffering, work stoppage, and reduced quality of life since I do not have the car I paid cash for. The time I have had to wait for the repairs is beyond unreasonable and should result in compensation.

- College Park, GA, USA

problem #638

May 032024

Sonata

  • 176,966 miles
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact recevied notifiaciton of NHTSA Campaign Number:?22V312000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the ESP, Low tire pressure, Check Oil, Check Engine, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was stopped on the side of the road where white smoke and flames emanated from the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed lot where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 176,966.

- Germantown,, MD, USA

problem #637

May 022024

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When driving, an acceleration would sometime cause the car's RPMs would drop to zero with the throttle of the vehicle responding poorly. A lose of power occurs and the takes about 15 seconds to feel some power return to the throttle. The feeling of no throttle occurs which is very scary when your reason for accelerating is to pass a vehicle but the sudden lose of power makes it difficult to accelerate properly to pass. The RPMs remains none responsive. With the loss of power, the traction control light came on. When the vehicle is turn off and turned back on, the car's issue disappears. But the problem randomly occurs again.

- Skokie, IL, USA

problem #636

Apr 142024

Sonata

  • miles
2013 Hyundai Sonata with known engine failure issue. While driving, vehicle experienced complete engine failure during operation in confined express lane of highway. Vehicle was rendered inoperable and required towing to dealer for repair. Delear declared "complete engine failure" and offered to apply for repair assistance through Hyundai engine failure recall assistance, but then repair was declined by Hyundai Motor Co. Same vehicle was in Hyundai service for service/repair 04-23, with check engine light. Hyundai, knowledgeable of engine failure recall, only advised me of a possible fix via high pressure fuel error (another known issue) at cost of $1200, with a note to "start here." One year later complete engine failure without any prior warning, light, change in engine performance, etc. Obviously caused by known issues.

- Burleson, TX, USA

problem #635

Apr 052024

Sonata

  • miles
The engine failed. This created a risk for me and my family as it could have seized on us while driving and caused an accident. The problem was confirmed by the dealer in conjunction with the manufacturer. There were no warning lamps or messages on the dashboard. The only indicator of the issue was burning oil smell and engine shaking while driving. Additional details: The engine started burning a lot of oil close to the 10 year ownership mark around July 2023. We started putting oil into the engine about weekly, then daily around August and September. I finally took it into the dealership in October and they started an oil consumption study. From October 2023 through now in April 2024: 1. They changed the oil and we drove 1000 miles, then went back. 2. They changed the oil again and we drove 1000 miles again. 3. The third time, we went in and they charged me money to deep clean the engine and then asked me to drive the car for another 1000 miles yet again. 4. We made it about 500 miles and then took it back in after the car started shaking and making noises. Ultimately, Hyundai replaced the engine (they also charged me money) but I am concerned that other systems in the car will fail and I will continue to face safety issues and future charges as well.

- New City, NY, USA

problem #634

Apr 192024

Sonata

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted after the third attempt; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle for an engine failure under warranty; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

- Socorro, TX, USA

problem #633

Nov 162023

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When driving to work the car stopped running in the middle of the highway. We had to pull off to the side of the road, turned off the car and when turning it back on the engine wouldn-??t start. The EPS, low oil, check engine, battery, and low tire pressure lights were all on. I took the car to my mechanic and he said the engine seized due to the crankshaft breaking.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #632

Mar 192024

Sonata

  • miles
My car began consuming alarming amounts of oil as well as emitting a knocking sound and hesitating while been driven. I went to Patriot in Boyertown, PA and they advised me to contact Hyundai as my engine was failing, could cease at any minute and exhibited all of the signs associated with their engine recall/rotor warranty extension. I have had two diagnostics done to the car that found metal as well as three other major signs associated with their engine recall and warranty extension. Hyundai has now asked me to pay $529 out of pocket for additional diagnostics they are requesting as part of their recall and warranty despite the fact that I have already had diagnostics done telling me what is wrong with my engine and additional diagnostics provides no benefit to me. When researching the issue, it is alarming the thousands of other accounts detailing the lack of honoring the recall and warranty as well as practices that sound illegal when it comes to safety and consumers. I would welcome an inspection of my vehicle as I believe them to be trying to not honor their own recall and warranty and replace my faulty engine that they sold me.

- Gilbertsville , PA, USA

problem #631

Dec 122023

Sonata

  • miles
We were part of the Hyundai Theta claim group. Our car did stop in traffic, luckily my husband was alone, and no one was hurt. It was towed to the dealer. This was October2023. Dealer gave a list of fixes & stated it had nothing to do with theta. We had all recommended maintenance done; as we always do. Roughly 2 months later, Dec., with a full car, it did it again, at a stoplight. We are lucky to be alive. We had it towed to our mechanic. I contacted the Theta claims line. Our mechanic stated oil was still in the filter, but the pistons had blown clear through the engine, which he still has. Hyundai contacted him. He sent pictures. Hyundai denied my claim for timely filing. I have called weekly, followed every instruction. Now they want me to mail a letter. I am a disabled veteran. Look how many recalls they have. They don't mind recalling. They will just deny people. Please help.

- Wesley Chapel, FL, USA

problem #630

Jan 012024

Sonata

  • miles
Car smells like it-??s burning, been told it-??s oil. Dealership after seeing leakage on the engine replaced the valve gasket. Car still smells like it-??s burning and apparently there is no leaking. I went to the same dealership to inform them and they recommended replacing a hose but not a guarantee it will fix the overall problem which is smelling of burning. I-??m concerned! I-??m 37weeks pregnant and don-??t want to inhale burning or any other chemicals pre and post postpartum with a newborn

- Verona , NJ, USA

problem #629

Feb 222024

Sonata

  • miles
The engine seized up while my wife was driving on the freeway forcing her to pull over. There is a settlement about these engines indicating that they consume too much oil and Hyundai offered a lifetime warranty for them which we were denied because a previous owner didn-??t take care of the oil changes it appears. I have fought with Hyundai to replace this engine simply due to the fact it-??s a bad engine and countless millions of customers know this. I was advised that some customers have reached out to you to inspect and sometimes this forces Hyundai to do something. If we didn-??t qualify for this replacement we shouldn-??t have received a brochure and we shouldn-??t be in trouble for somebody else-??s actions. The vehicle shouldn-??t have been sold to us in the first place.

- Chippewa Falls, WI, USA

problem #628

Mar 042024

Sonata

  • miles
We purchased this vehicle used in good condition. We have kept up the maintenance especially oil changes and all recalls. The car uses or burns shall I say a lot of oil between oil changes. It is showing no signs of leaks anywhere and I have had to add at least four quarts of oil so far and it isn't even time to change it yet. The check engine light came on. So, I am about to take it to the shop before it stops on me like I have read in the many complaints here.

- Wetumpka, AL, USA

problem #627

Dec 162023

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving down the NYS Thruway in mid December and the check engine light started flashing. Before I could reach the next exit (maybe 3 minutes at most) the engine stopped accelerating and I had to make a choice to pull over on the side of the highway before I lost speed altogether. We had it towed back to our mechanic and it was a complete engine failure, without warning.

- Albany , NY, USA

problem #626

Jan 272024

Sonata

  • miles
While driving the car at freeway speeds it died and quit running, and the engine compartment began smoking, and a fire ensued under the hood. Gasoline could be smelled before it started fire.

- American Fork, UT, USA

problem #625

Jan 242024

Sonata

  • miles
The vehicle started making a very loud noise and shaking

- Harlingen, TX, USA

problem #624

Jun 152023

Sonata

  • 79,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a greasy taillight bulb, and then later diagnosed with starter failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that four years earlier the engine was replaced due to metal shavings being found in the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

- Sherman, TX, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?